Juden N. Smith

Born December 1, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Juden was the 2nd of three children of Jerome Manuel Smith and Betty A. Dunams.

Juden graduated from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, a school known for its academic excellence and standards. He later attended the University of Texas at El Paso. While at UTEP, Juden became a star player for the UTEP NCAA Men’s Basketball Team during the great team runs of the 1980s. Juden scored 1,100+ points and had 500+ rebounds during his UTEP playing days, twice receiving All-Conference and All District Honors. He was known as a tough player and was nicknamed “The Beast” on the court due to his intensity. His talent and reputation led to him being drafted by the NBA. Tom Floyd, who was a coach for Juden at UTEP and went on to become the head coach of the UTEP program, was able to capture Juden, saying, in remembrance:

“… never coached a better athlete, nor anyone who played harder and with more passion.

He was a winner and a warrior and was a great student and was respected by all coaches

and team mates. Very intelligent and never controversial.”

Later in life, Juden took up long-distance running, including 2 marathons, a handful of half marathons, and several 5ks/10ks. If Juden had a determination to do something, he did it.

Juden’s days as a standout basketball player at UTEP and his later pursuits also reflect on who he was as a person. He shone brightly and intensely, but from within. He was a deeply passionate man, who shared an abiding love and special bond with his life partner, Virginia Medina. He knew how much he was loved by his family and he loved them too. He was also a man who was committed to his friends and community. He was someone who would work hard, attending to his life with a singular focus of accomplishing the task or challenge at hand, but doing so unburdened by ego or the need for recognition. He led by example, with humility, kindness and grace. Above all, Juden was a loving, loyal, compassionate man who touched many lives. His passing leaves us with a vast feeling of loss yet with gratitude to have had the blessing of him in our lives. While we mourn Juden’s passing, at the same time we appreciate and celebrate that his life was filled with love, joy, happiness and accomplishment.

Juden is survived by his life partner, Virginia Medina; his father, Jerome Manuel Smith; his mother, Betty A. Dunams; his sisters, Farin D. Smith, Kami Smith and Saidiah Smith; and his brothers, Jerome Manuel Smith, Jr. and Neiman J. Dunams. His brothers, Tarik Smith and Taju Smith, predeceased him.

Juden’s family wishes to express their appreciation and thanks for all of the loving thoughts and condolences that have been shared about Juden. Juden’s sister, Farin, is planning to hold a memorial 5K walk for Juden in New Orleans this Spring and more details on that will be sent along later on.

A funeral service for Juden will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, KATY, TX 77494. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at External Service Location, 9040 FM359, Richmond, TX 77406.